Word Origin & History

radical late 14c. (adj.), in a medieval philosophical sense, from L.L. radicalis "of or having roots," from L. radix (gen. radicis) "root" (see radish). Meaning "going to the origin, essential" is from 1650s. Political sense of "reformist" (via notion of "change from the roots") is first recorded 1802 (n.), 1820 (adj.), of the extreme section of the British Liberal party (radical reform had been a current phrase since 1786); meaning "unconventional" is from 1921. U.S. youth slang use is from 1983, from 1970s surfer slang meaning "at the limits of control." Radical chic is attested from 1970.

Example Sentences for radical

There is in the one a life which there is not in the other, and the difference is vital and radical.

It had simply not occurred to her, no matter the radical teachings she advocated.

One of these new laws relates to divorce and is most modern and radical in its scope.

I was certain he was trying to conceal some radical defect from me.

He realized that it was absolutely foreign to his Scribner work: that it meant a radical departure.

In many words it is impossible to detect the radical element.

There is a radical distinction between the verbs “to piece” and “to patch,” as used in connection with the making of quilts.

She had wanted to make a good impression on her nephew, even if he were a Radical.

They saw the intense enthusiasm—never before equalled—of the Liberal and Radical masses.